2026 Kia Seltos Specs and Features

2026 KIA Seltos

Check Out the 2026 Kia Seltos Review in Cookeville, TN

The 2026 Kia Seltos at Cumberland Kia in Cookeville, TN delivers two available engines, available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and advanced driver-assist technology across four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX. For drivers comparing the Subaru Crosstrek, Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona, or select Mazda models, the Kia Seltos stands out for its higher available horsepower, refined technology, and flexible convenience features.

From the efficient base engine to the 190-horsepower available turbo engine in the top trim, the 2026 Kia Seltos blends everyday usability with confident highway performance. If you are researching trim levels, specs, fuel economy, or reading a Kia Seltos review, this breakdown answers exactly what compact SUV buyers want to know.

Interior Space, Comfort, and Cargo Flexibility

The 2026 Kia Seltos seats five passengers and offers generous cabin dimensions for the segment. Built on a 103.5-inch wheelbase, the layout prioritizes passenger comfort without sacrificing cargo utility.

Interior dimensions include:

  • Front headroom without sunroof: 40.0 inches
  • Rear headroom: 38.4 inches
  • Front leg room: 41.4 inches
  • Rear leg room: 38.0 inches
  • Front shoulder room: 55.5 inches

Passenger volume measures 53.2 cubic feet in the first row and 46.4 cubic feet in the second row. Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 26.6 cubic feet and expands to 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A dual-level cargo floor allows for a level cargo floor setup when needed.

Seating and Comfort Features

Interior appointments vary by trim and options, but available features include:

  • 10-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar adjustment
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • SynTex or SynTex and cloth seat trim
  • Automatic climate control with auto defog system
  • Power sunroof

Additional comfort elements across the lineup include rear A/C vents, woven cloth seat trim on lower trims, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel on SX, LED interior lighting, solar control glass, sound-absorbing windshield glass, a rear cargo cover, and a Smart Power Liftgate.

For daily commuting or road trips, the Seltos balances passenger comfort and cargo convenience in a way first-time SUV buyers immediately appreciate.

Exterior Design and Utility

The 2026 Kia Seltos projects a confident presence with a wide stance, sculpted body lines, and available two-tone roof treatments. Ground clearance measures 7.3 inches, giving the vehicle a capable feel on uneven pavement.

Exterior dimensions:

  • Length: 172.6 inches
  • Width: 70.9 inches
  • Height without roof rails: 63.6 inches
  • Height with roof rails: 64.2 inches
  • Wheelbase: 103.5 inches

Exterior Features

Key exterior equipment includes:

  • LED projector headlights
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • 18-inch alloy wheels on SX
  • Roof rails
  • High beam assist

Additional exterior features available across trim levels include LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, fog lights or LED fog lights, gloss black or body color side mirrors, shark fin antenna, black or satin chrome window surrounds, silver skid plates, compact spare tire, and multiple wheel finishes including gloss black and machined designs.

Available colors include Clear White with Fusion Black Roof, Pluton Blue with Fusion Black Roof, Gravity Gray, Neptun Blue, Mars Orange, Dark Ocean Blue, Steel Gray, Snow White Pearl, Pluton Blue, and Fusion Black.

Performance, Engines, and Powertrain Options

The 2026 Kia Seltos offers two available engines depending on trim level.

2.0-Liter Base Engine

The standard 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine produces 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. It features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing and Multi-Port Gasoline Injection. This engine pairs with an Intelligent Variable Transmission.

  • EPA estimates for front-wheel drive models are 28 city and 34 highway mpg.
  • EPA estimates for all-wheel drive models are 27 city and 31 highway mpg.

1.6-Liter Turbo Engine

The SX trim features a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This available turbo engine uses Gasoline Direct Injection and pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

  • EPA estimates for turbo AWD models are 24 city and 27 highway mpg.

Drivetrain and Handling

Available drivetrain and mechanical features include:

  • Front-wheel drive
  • Torque-vectoring all-wheel drive with center-locking differential
  • Drive Mode Select
  • Electronic parking brake with auto-hold
  • Independent rear multi-link suspension on AWD

Additional mechanical specs include 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, hill start assist control, downhill brake control, electric motor-driven power steering, a 34.8-foot turning circle, and a 13.2-gallon fuel tank capacity.

This powertrain flexibility allows drivers to prioritize fuel economy or choose the available turbo engine for stronger highway passing performance.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2026 Kia Seltos integrates advanced technology through Kia innovation and connected features.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Core tech features include:

  • 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay®
  • Wireless Android Auto™
  • Bose® premium audio system
  • Wireless phone charger

Additional available or standard features across trim levels include 8-inch touchscreen display, 4.2-inch or 10.25-inch instrument display, six-speaker audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, Digital Key, Kia Connect, remote start, schedule maintenance reminders through Kia Access app, pre-cooling and heating through Kia Access app, front USB media port, front USB-C charging port, rear USB-C charging ports, Bluetooth® wireless technology with multi-device connectivity, and front 12V power outlet.

Navigation-based smart cruise control with Stop and Go and Highway Driving Assist enhances highway comfort.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2026 Kia Seltos is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems designed to support the driver in daily traffic and on highways.

Active Driver Assistance Features

Key available and standard systems include:

  • Forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Blind-spot collision warning
  • Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist
  • Lane keeping assist and lane following assist
  • Smart cruise control with Stop and Go

Additional safety features across trims include junction turning detection, navigation-based smart cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, safe exit warning, rear parking sensors, rearview monitor, dual front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and tire-pressure monitoring system.

This full suite of safety features positions the 2026 Kia Seltos as a competitive compact SUV in a crowded segment.

Test Drive the 2026 Kia Seltos in Cookeville, TN

The 2026 Kia Seltos combines practical cargo space, available turbocharged performance, advanced technology, and strong fuel economy in a compact SUV that works for daily life. Whether you are comparing trims, reviewing specs, or browsing inventory, Cumberland Kia in Cookeville, TN, is ready to help you explore your options.

Visit Cumberland Kia to test drive the 2026 Kia Seltos and find the trim level that fits your driving needs.

* All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.

* Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.